"Shop Maryland Energy allows consumers who purchase Energy Star qualified appliances to not only save money on the initial purchase, but to conserve energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce future energy expenses, all while simultaneously benefiting Maryland retailers with an increase in sales," Franchot said.

Air conditioners, washers and dryers, furnaces, heat pumps, standard-size refrigerators, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL), dehumidifiers and programmable thermostats that have been designated as meeting or exceeding the applicable Energy Star efficiency requirements developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy will be tax-free.

The Energy Star, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program, was established in 1992 to reduce levels of greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants caused by the inefficient use of energy. The Energy Star label assists consumers in identifying energy-efficient products that offer savings on energy bills without sacrificing performance, features of comfort.

"Shop Maryland Energy is a win for everyone," said Patrick Donoho, president of the Maryland Retailers Association. "It helps consumers save money when buying qualified appliances and the future energy costs in using more efficient appliances; it helps retailers re-introduce themselves to shoppers, and helps the environment by reducing the demand for energy."